It’s a question I’ve been getting a lot since I started posting photos of the custom diapers I’ve been working on. While the various printed diapers for the AB market are great, a lot of us would love diapers that feature our favorite characters - and if you’re willing to put in a little effort it’s pretty easy. The trick is plastic party table covers - they’re super thin, sturdy and if you look around you can find most popular characters and themes on them (mommies and daddies, this is a great way to match your little’s diapy with their actual birthday/holiday party supplies) Here is a step-by-step guide that should let everyone make their own - hopefully you were paying attention during arts and crafts!
Full disclosure: I was initially inspired by this Tumblr post, but did a variation on the idea that is a little easier and yields more diapers from each table cover: http://abcubs.tumblr.com/post/97335227154/photo-1-so-people-have-asked-for-a-how-to-video
I’m going to lay this out in 3 parts, since Tumblr limits how many photos can be in one post. It’s a lot of reading, but hopefully all the details should be helpful - remember, anything worth doing is worth doing right.
Step 1 - Gathering Supplies
This might look like a lot, but you probably have half of this stuff around the house already or can find a cheap solution. Only 4 of these things need to be continuously bought and the eventual cost is less than a dollar extra from a plain diaper unless you’re using an expensive cover.
You will need:
* Plastic party table covers ($3-10) - you can find these in the party section on many stores, if you have a Party City in your town you’re in luck (the internet can fill in the blanks, of course, but it can get expensive too.) How many strips you get from one cover depends of the design, I’ve gotten as many as 14 and as few as 6.
* Diapers (Cost Varies) - preferably all-white and without a preexisting landing strip. I’ve used Dry 24/7s every time so far and it’s what I’d recommend.
* A hobby knife and replacement blades ($4-15) - X-Acto knife, etc. You might be able to use a box cutter or razor in a pinch. Make sure you replace the blade often, a dull blade will tear the plastic.
* A solid cutting surface ($0-30) - I recommend getting an actual cutting board at an art supply store (or amazon) to help with layout, but a large kitchen cutting board or clean piece of cardboard work also. (This should go without saying, but don’t just cut on the floor, you’ll ruin both the table cover and your floor.)
* Plastic tarps ($5-10 a pack) - you can find them in the paint section of most hardware stores. Spray adhesive gets everywhere, especially the floor. If you’re able to work outdoors you may not need them, if you plan to work inside DO NOT SKIP THEM.
* Spray adhesive ($6-8) - you can find this at most hardware stores (I’ve seen it at Target also.) I recommend 3M’s 45 spray adhesive, it holds well but allows for some fast readjustments. Always use in a well ventilated area, don’t lock yourself in the bathroom and try to do this when your vanilla roommate is home - if somehow you can work outside it’s best.
* A ruler ($1-8) - should be the length you want the front design to be, 16" should work for most. Make sure it has high enough sides to draw the blade along easily.
* A board ($0-15) - roughly the size of a spread-out diaper, you’ll clip the diaper to this to keep it from moving while you lay the strip down. I use a TV tray, it works great and keeps everything at standing level (more on that later.) A finished or sanded board is preferable to raw wood.
* Spring clips ($5) - these will hold everything onto the board, make sure they have soft covers on the tips to protect the diaper plastic. If the board you’re using is thin enough, clothes pins work too.
*Painter’s Tape ($5) - this will help keep the table cover in place while you cut out the designs. You can also use it to keep the plastic tarp from moving. In a pinch this can be skipped.
*Painter’s Mask ($5) - Spray Adhesive is airborne, best to not inhale a bunch of it.
* A large cardboard box ($0) - roughly 20x15" but any size that’s larger than the design should work. Save the box from your next shipment of diapers.
IMPORTANT: Make sure the inside of the box is fairly clean, any dust or dirt from the box might cling to the spray adhesive and stick to the design. If in doubt, wipe down with a lightly damp towel and let dry.
* Adhesive remover ($5) - Goo-Gone, etc. Mostly for getting glue off your hands.
*“Junk” clothes & shoes - don’t wear anything you care about while using spray adhesive just in case.
Next step - Cut Your Design http://babypudge.tumblr.com/post/137201789771/part-2-cut-out-your-design-most-party-table
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